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The tips here are demonstrated on video by Stuart Ryan, head of guitar at Bristol Institute of Modern Music

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Improving on the guitar, for many guitarists, is the reason for playing the instrument in the first place. The warm, self-satisfied glow inside when you finally see the benefit of all those hours of practising can't be beaten – but all too often those hours are meanderings in the dark: aimless and not actually all that enjoyable.

But it really shouldn't be that way. So this lesson (complete with video and tab) is designed to put some life back into your learning.

To bring you this lesson, MusicRadar's sister magazine Guitarist asked some of the top guitar tutors in the business for their wit, wisdom and home truths about what it takes to really improve your playing. You'll find 10 of those tips below, and a mammoth 40 more in Guitarist issue 309 – on sale now.

1. Golden Rule: practice with a metronome

Great players have great timing, so practise with a metronome – every single time you practice. (Mike Goodman)

2. Know the intervals

Most guitarists don't know the notes on the fingerboard – which means there's no point venturing into the world of musical theory as you won't be able to apply it. Here's an exercise that'll get you knowing the intervals between notes in no time… The exercise cycles through the four triads in one area of the neck: witness the intervals as they change and then use the roots, 3rds and 5ths as a reference from which to work out where the other intervals are. (Mike Goodman)

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3. Exercise to music

Work on integrating technical exercises with a musical application. Too many guitarists know loads on exercises that they never expand upon when they actually play. The closer your exercises are to real music, the more likely they are to come out when required. (John Wheatcroft)